Rohingya Boat with 233 People Detained by Myanmar Navy Near Sittwe

Photo: DW

Arakan Now | 6 January 2026

A boat carrying 233 Rohingya people from Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships, who were attempting to reach Malaysia by sea, was detained by the Myanmar Navy near the Sittwe sea area on December 31, 2025, according to local sources.

Among those detained were 28 children aged between five and 18. The children were released on January 5, 2026, while the remaining passengers are reportedly still being held and are facing legal proceedings.

Community members said most of those on board were fleeing deteriorating living conditions in Arakan, where limited livelihood opportunities, food shortages and widespread poverty have left many families struggling to survive.

Residents in the area also reported increasing persecution, abductions and intimidation by the Arakan Army (AA), including alleged threats of forced recruitment and forced labour. These pressures, they said, have driven many Rohingya to undertake dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and stable livelihoods in Malaysia.